Childminder in Wigan

Inspection report for early years provision

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322669 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Ann, Theresa Flynn Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 13 and nine years old in a residential area of Wigan. All the rooms on the ground floor are used for childminding as well as the master bedroom on the first floor, there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently has four children on roll. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. The family have two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association and is qualified to level three in child care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's health is promoted well. A written sick child policy is in place, of which parents receive copies, to inform them of how their children are to be cared for in the event of them becoming ill. Children have opportunities to rest or sleep undisturbed, thereby helping to maintain children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand about good hygiene practice as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and following toilet use. Children initiated their own hand washing prior to mid-morning snack without any prompting from the childminder. Children are provided with their own face cloths and towels each in a different colour, which a child present was able to name for particular children, thereby demonstrating children's understanding of good hygienic practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly access fresh air and exercise. They play in the garden, walk daily to school and they attend facilities, such as parent and toddler groups, during which children are involved in various activities and have use of large apparatus, all of which helps in promoting the physical well-being of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy, nutritional snacks and meals, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Drinks are freely available to children, which they access themselves, thus, helping to develop children's personal independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of healthy eating is promoted because the childminder involves children in discussions about healthy foods. A healthy eating chart is maintained involving children in adding to the chart each time they eat fruit or vegetables, which helps in promoting their understanding of healthy eating and how to maintain their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a suitably maintained and clean environment. The good organisation of toys and equipment means children can move around safely to enjoy free access to a varied range of age appropriate resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained because the childminder has a detailed health and safety policy in place and undertakes regular risk assessments of the premises. Various safety measures are in place to minimise hazards, such as cupboard locks, socket covers and a safety gate, thus ensuring the premises remain safe for children. However, the fire blanket is stored in a cupboard and therefore not easily accessible, and the rear garden is presently having work undertaken and an of the garden is hazardous.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a procedure in place regarding evacuation of the premises, which is practiced with children every half term. Children present explain how they go outside, ring the firemen and when it's safe go back inside, thus, demonstrating children's knowledge and understanding about how to keep themselves safe in an emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder uses appropriate equipment, such as reins and children are spoken to about the dangers of the road and stranger danger, thus

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 helping to develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe when away from the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is suitably protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She is aware of the need to document, in detail, her concerns if she is worried about the welfare of any child in her care. She is aware of the role of the local safeguarding children's board and maintains details of the local office, thus, helping to keep children in her care safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with free access to a good variety of age appropriate activities, which aid their development. For example, crafts, books, water, painting, dolls and puzzles, all of which provides interest and enjoyment for children during their time with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing a sense of achievement by receiving praise and acknowledgement of their efforts. For example, children present are given time to discuss their drawings in detail with the childminder who offers praise by informing children how well they have done with their pictures, thus helping children to develop a sense of achievement and helping to develop their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in activities away from the setting. As they walk to and from school, they visit shops and various toddler groups, which helps to enhance children's fun and enjoyment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder follows the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she provides for children's overall play and provides opportunities for children to develop various skills through play, thereby helping the children in her care to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn and understand about the wider world. They learn through discussions, resources and activities. For example, the children are involved in discussing celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year. The childminder uses books, puzzles and outings to help her discuss the needs of others. For example, when shopping discussing with children the needs of a person they saw with disabilities, thus helping to develop the children's understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder provides an inclusive environment for all children who attend. For example, including all children in the various activities by adapting the activities to children's individual ages and stages of development, thereby helping to meet the individual needs of all children who attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in a positive way through the use of praise and encouragement. They accept and work with age appropriate strategies and children are provided with explanations about sharing, caring and apologising, to help them to understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are well met, due to the positive relationships which have been established with parents. Information is shared through written policies and procedures, daily diaries, verbal discussions, consents and contracts, thus helping the childminder and parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to work together in the best interests of the children. Parents receive information about the 'Birth to three matters' framework, thus keeping them well informed about how their children are helped to progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The day is planned for children, following flexible daily routines, to cater to the individual needs of children. Space used within the home is well organised so that children can play, rest, eat and socialise in comfort and access play resources depending on their choice.

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Organisation

Children receive good levels of support. The childminder provides one to one attention to the children present, being attentive to the children's needs, thereby ensuring their individual needs are well met.

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Organisation

The childminder attends child related training courses on a regular basis to help to develop her service and improve the care and education of the children who attend.

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Organisation

Required documentation is well maintained in line with the National Standards, all documents relating to the safety and welfare of children are shared with parents.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection there was one recommendation raised in relation to documentation.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendation has received attention and the attendance record is accurate and up to date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Due to the action taken the care and safety of children has been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • promote the safety of children by ensuring the fire blanket is suitably housed and that the rear garden is safe for children's play.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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